====== Solo Shops (and how to stay that way) ======
**Facilitated by Justin Miller, [[http://codesorcery.net|Code Sorcery Workshop, LLC]], [[http://twitter.com/incanus77|@incanus77]]**
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  * [[http://www.zeldman.com/2009/03/30/freelance-to-agency-podcast/|SXSW panel that inspired this session]]
  * Also see the [[http://www.flickr.com/photos/rohdesign/3371175809/in/set-72157615703262704/|sketch notes]]

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Notes from [[http://twitter.com/lawduck|@lawduck]]:

Topics - Getting Started and then methodologies/logistics.

Getting Started/Getting Out:

Why'd you head out?
*Wanted to be independent
*Wanted to create something

Where you start: Plan in advance if you can; working in an organization is a great opportunity to build name recognition and credibility. For the most part, employers are happy to send you - there's a dual value for both the future indie and for the company you're working for.

Planning to head out:
*Pick your community or market. Identify what the target is.
*Blogging and speaking at conferences is always good.
	Blogging can definitely generate leads - @znmeb - still have to ask for $.
*Network the bejeebus out of your target community.
	CHECK IN with your folks, conferences you've attended. Volunteer - it may lead to getting paid.
	CONTRIBUTE. Give information. People will still trust you as an expert.
	The reputation of expertise comes from demonstration - articles, tutorials.
	
(Brief sidebar on law - blah blah blah)
	
Margins make a difference (true to all indie contractors). Overhead is evil! But, perceptually, is there a problem with not having the office?
	Answer: no - just meet at their space, rent a conference room, create a virtual office (say, at Cubespace!).
	Home all the time, though, can suck. You're not in the right zone sometimes, and you can have Kubrick-esque moments dealing with just you and your laptop at home.
		So, Twitter as coffee break.
		Find space (like at Cubespace!) that you can use & get a sense of an "office"
		Everything's individual, though. Find your comfort.

The Pressure to Grow:
	What happens when people approach you and say "Do this cool awesome project that's bigger than your capacity!" - what's the answer if you truly don't want to assemble a team?
	It's a question of choices:
		If you truly don't want to assemble a team, or pay employees, you can price yourself out of the job (i.e. bid waay too high).
		Honor your skillset - if you can't project manage, don't subcontract.
		Consider the risk to your reputation. Deliverables, quality, etc.
		BUT: consider the benefits to your reputation - maybe getting a big win with a team of cohorts will make an enduring mark in the community.
	If you do want to take it on:
		Know your strengths and weaknesses. Pick people accordingly.
		Present the subcontract pieces to the client.
		Put your teammates through the mill FIRST - i.e. don't wait for a high-priority project to "try someone out."

Administrative and Operations Suck:
	Phone calls, invoices, accounting, back end office. It's a pain in the ass.
	Systematize.
	It's sometimes good to get The Guy on the phone.

Never, ever, ever:
	Start without a business plan.
	Start without six months of savings.
	Work without a contract.
	Work with a contract that you didn't review with the client.
	Accept pay that's not pay - cash speaks. Don't do ALL the hours of work for a slice of something. "Why would I want a minority interest in a illiquid company?"
	Work for your friends.
	Fail to research the company that's approaching you.

The Economy now: how we doin'?
	Adjusting rates.
	Worrying about getting paid.
	Cautiously optimistic.